The Cheeky Girls

The Cheeky Girls

The Cheeky Girls are a pop duo made up of the twin sisters Gabriela Irimia and Monica Irimia. They are active from 2002 to the present.

Background and early life

The pair grow up in Romania, where they study gymnastics and ballet and tour with the Hungarian National Opera. In 2002, they move to London with their mother.

Career

They gain attention after auditions on the British television shows Popstars: The Rivals and Channel 4's Model Behaviour. Although they do not pass either audition, the publicity helps launch their pop career. Their music is mainly disco-pop and is described as being aimed largely at young children.

They release four singles and a debut album in the UK, and tour Europe and Asia. Their songs are written by their mother, who also manages them. They do not perform live vocals.

Record label and later activity

After their record company Multiply goes into liquidation in 2004, they turn down other offers and set up their own label, XBN. They sign Hollyoaks actor Andy Newton-Lee to the label. In November 2004, they appear on a celebrity duo edition of The Weakest Link. In May 2005, they help open the new Big L Radio London studios with Cliff Richard and record a new version of "We Love the Pirate Stations" for the station.

Reception and chart success

Their first single, "The Cheeky Song (Touch my Bum)", spends five weeks in the UK top five and reaches number two for four non-consecutive weeks. In January 2004, it is voted the worst pop record of all time in a Channel 4 poll. Despite poor critical reviews, they continue to have UK chart success with a run of top 10 singles.

Charity and appearances

The Cheeky Girls support charity work, including ChildLine. They also open a HMV shop in Harlow, Essex. A planned album in 2006 is said to include new songs and a cover of Right Said Fred's "I'm Too Sexy".